Eero gave back

1600 donors have already participated in the University of Oulu fundraising campaign. A large number of donors are individuals, 600 of them students.

One of the donors is Eero Manninen, Secretary General of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL), who graduated from the University of Oulu two years ago with a Master's degree in Finnish language. Already in the early stages of the campaign, he was considering supporting the university and has also challenged his twin brother and mother, both University of Oulu alumni like Eero, to join the campaign.

"University of Oulu has given a lot both to me personally and my family. Studying in Oulu was a great experience, and I think back at that time with gratitude and nostalgia", Eero says.

After graduation and entering the career path, giving back and making a donation became possible. Eero donated a thousand euros to the university.

"A small amount in relation to all that my alma mater has offered me. I wanted the sum to be big enough to really feel it."

During his studies, Eero served as the Secretary General of the University of Oulu Student Union. In this role he also participated in the fundraising campaign opening event. At the event, he wanted to take a selfie with the Patron of the campaign, former Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen.

"When I asked Paavo for permission, he asked how much, naturally referring to a donation. I think we agreed on 25 euros. However, I wanted to give more. Paavo’s donation was 10 000 euros, I donated now a thousand euros. I would like to think the ratio is ok.”